On October 13, 2025, a Socata TBM 700 single-engine turboprop crashed and caught fire on the median of Interstate 195 in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, killing two people aboard. According to Massachusetts State Police and the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, the victims were identified as Thomas Perkins, 68, and his wife, Agatha Perkins, 66, both of Middletown, Rhode Island. A motorist on the eastbound side sustained non-life-threatening injuries when debris struck her car and was treated and released at St. Luke’s Hospital. Parts of the aircraft came to rest both in the median and in a nearby woodline, and one eastbound lane remained closed during the response.
Officials said the aircraft, registered to Easton Air, LLC of Middletown, Rhode Island, had departed New Bedford Regional Airport shortly before the crash. Preliminary information suggests the pilot may have been attempting to return to the airport; authorities noted there was no flight plan on file. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate the cause and manner of the crash.
What Investigators Will Examine
Severe Weather and Wind Effects. A nor’easter was moving through the region with strong winds and heavy rain. Investigators will study surface observations, winds aloft, and pilot reports to assess gusts, low visibility, and potential wind shear along the route and near the highway. These conditions can challenge even experienced pilots and elevate risk during approach or an off-airport landing. See more on severe weather in aviation.
Engine Performance or Mechanical Issues. When pilots attempt emergency landings on roads, a power-loss or mechanical anomaly is one possible trigger. Examiners document propeller blade signatures, fuel system continuity, and control-cable integrity to understand whether a malfunction precipitated the descent. Maintenance records and recent work orders are compared against manufacturer guidance to identify potential defects or overdue inspections.
Pilot Workload, Visibility, and Spatial Awareness. Low clouds, precipitation, and task saturation can degrade situational awareness during time-critical decisions. Investigators consider pilot ratings, recent experience, and whether instrument procedures were in use to gauge how workload and visibility may have affected decision-making. They also review ATC communications and any advisories that could have influenced the attempted landing area.
Emergency Return and Highway Landing Dynamics. Using a highway as an improvised runway introduces hazards from traffic, signs, and median terrain. Reconstruction teams evaluate glide path, obstacle avoidance, and whether witnesses observed avoidance maneuvers before impact. Roadway strikes and breakup patterns help determine the sequence of collision events and fire onset.
Data Sources and Wreckage Evidence. Many TBM-series aircraft carry avionics capable of storing flight parameters. If recoverable, those traces can function similar to a black box in helping chart speed, altitude, and control inputs in the final minutes. The NTSB’s preliminary report typically publishes within weeks and outlines factual findings while the full investigation continues.
Legal and Recovery Considerations
Families affected by aviation incidents can benefit from speaking with an aviation accident attorney to understand options, including preservation of records and coordination with federal inquiries. Where injuries occur on the ground, motorists and passengers may also pursue claims related to medical bills, wage loss, and other harms under Massachusetts law. For crashes involving interstate travel or certain passenger contexts, additional rules may apply; counsel can explain how those frameworks intersect with the NTSB process. You can also review our small plane crash resource for general background.
Speak With an Aviation Accident Lawyer
After a serious airplane crash, families face sudden questions about investigations, insurance, and deadlines. Consulting an aviation accident attorney can help protect your rights, preserve key evidence, and provide clear next steps while the NTSB conducts its work. Spagnoletti Law Firm offers guidance on the preliminary report process and how findings may relate to civil claims.
For compassionate, practical help, contact Spagnoletti Law Firm at 713-804-9306 or contact us online. Our personal injury team can explain available remedies and help you plan for medical care, lost income, and long-term recovery.